Well off the tourist trail these delightful gardens are set in the depths of the Cotswold countryside between Stroud and Cirencester. They are reached along narrow lanes running through bluebell woods and grass verges covered with wood anemones, primroses and cowslips. There are small signs but they are easy to miss. You need to want to come here.
It is well worth the effort of finding. The gardens are on a hillside overlooking the attractively named Golden Valley. There are no tourists facilities, just a small car park by their nursery with an honesty box by the gate.
We picked up a leaflet from the box and set off to explore. Apart from two gardeners and the owner walking his two dogs, we were the only visitors. All stopped to talk to us and we were made to feel very welcome.
They are lovely gardens, lovingly tended and with hardly a weed in sight. Two long carefully trimmed coniferous hedges with a grassy walk lead down to a small water feature with a fountain.
There are long herbaceous borders which lead down to the lovely old stone built house (private). Mid April was a bit too early to see them at their full glory.
There is a small orchard with fruit trees and parkland with mature trees and wide gravel paths.
It is a very peaceful and pleasant place to wander. It has good disabled access for people in wheelchairs. We enjoyed our visit. Go and buy a plant in the nursery. For those wanting refreshment, there is the Carpenter’s Arms in the village.
Entry is £5. There are no reductions for seniors or disabled.
“Visit website”:http://wasleys.org.uk/eleanor/gardens/england/west_midlands/misarden/index.html
